Question:
Do I admit that I have been a patient in an eating disorder clinic?

I was a patient at a hospital for eating disorders several years ago. The program consisted of psychiatric care, medical care and group therapy. I am just curious as to whether I should list this as a weight loss attempt for insurance. Will this hinder my chances for being approved? I am afraid that it will make it look like I have emotional problems and not a good candiate for surgery.    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 5, 2001)

September 5, 2001
My opinion is to tell the truth. Most of us have emotional problems/severe depression and are on anti-depressants due to being over weight (me, for one), and other issues. I'm 8 mos. post-op RNY open and down 85 lbs. Good luck!
   — Betty Todd

September 5, 2001
I agree totally with Betty. I went through a 4 month out-patient eating disorder program as well as a few in-patient psychiatric hospitalizations. I was totally honest and was approved by my insurance. They have access to your medical records and will know about it whether you list it or not. Also if you gained the weight back (or failed to lose any) this strengthens your case for the necessity of weight loss surgery.
   — [Anonymous]

September 6, 2001
I agree with the others, but be sure that you also can be clear that you don't have an eating disorder now. This will come up with your psych. eval. You need to be prepared to explain what has changed. People with Anorexia, Bullimia, or uncontrolled Binging may not be candidates for WLS.
   — kcanges

September 6, 2001
I too attended an outpatient eating disorders clinic 2x week.(Did 2 cycles each cycle was 6 weeks) My ins. counted it as part of a medically supervised diet. I was a compulsive overeater and I tried to get help! For me it helped. I would be honest about it. All you need to say is part of eating disorders clinic. I was never asked for what or anything further info.It shows you knew you had a problem and you tried to deal with it in a healthy way vs. just taking over the counter kind of stuff.
   — Linda M.

September 7, 2001
I was bulimic for 19 years, saw an eating disorders specialist for 3 years. For the most part, I got it under control. Weight control still COMPLETELY controlled my life and thoughts, but I was able to stick with "normal" dieting instead of the extreme of bulimia. However, the weight was getting higher and higher which is what brought me to seek WLS. Because I was self pay, I did a lot of research on the procedure and the Dr. that I wanted to use. At first I chose Dr. Champion in Ga. I sent him my medical profile in which I was very honest about the bulima and everything else. He turned me down because of the bulima. We had several heated e-mail exchanges but he would not change his mind. He said he thought I would benefit from the surgery, but because of my history of bulima, he felt that I needed a surgeon closer to my home (Jacksonville, Fl.). I struggled with the old feelings of wanting to "hide" and not let the next surgeon that I picked in on my secret. In the end, I decided that it would be counter productive, physically and emotionally, to not be up front about EVERYTHING. My medical history includes my eating disorder and I am no longer ashamed of it. The doctor that I chose was Dr. Vaughan in Jupiter Florida. He told me that after the surgery, I would loose more food accidently that I every did on purpose. Boy was he right. Sorry this is so long, but I felt the need to let you know that I know exactly how you feel, but why don't you go ahead and be totally up front. It will work out the way it is suppose to in the end. I believe that if the Lord's in it, it can't go wrong. Good Luck and God Bless!
   — Dorothy T.